Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna welcomes the change of pace as his team prepares for a sell-out FA Cup third-round clash against AFC Wimbledon. The match comes as a refreshing break from the demanding Christmas Championship fixture schedule, where the team faced four games in nine days while dealing with illness and injuries. Currently sitting second in the division, McKenna sees this cup tie as an opportunity to shift focus and embrace a different competition.
Acknowledging the challenging recent run of form, with five winless matches, McKenna views the FA Cup as a chance for a reset. The break in routine offers a new challenge against League Two opponents, AFC Wimbledon, with a unique playing style and the use of Mitre footballs specific to the competition.
Despite expected changes to the lineup from the recent league match against Stoke, McKenna emphasizes the importance of maintaining competitiveness. The manager hints at the inclusion of young players if deserving of an opportunity, while also emphasizing the need to balance squad rotation with the aim of progressing in the competition.
Reflecting on the positive impact of cup runs, McKenna draws parallels to last season when Ipswich gained confidence from victories over Rotherham and a competitive match against Burnley in the fourth round. While acknowledging the significance of league priorities, McKenna stresses the potential boost that a successful cup run can provide to the team.
AFC Wimbledon, currently seventh in League Two, presents a formidable challenge for Ipswich. Despite some key players being unavailable due to the Asian Cup, McKenna acknowledges their good form and goal-scoring prowess. The Ipswich manager emphasizes the difficulty of facing AFC Wimbledon at their tight home ground and anticipates a tough FA Cup encounter.
While McKenna remains focused on the league, he expresses a desire to progress in the FA Cup, viewing it as an opportunity for additional fixtures in the relatively less hectic schedule of the Championship’s second half. He underlines the prestigious nature of winning the competition for top clubs, while for others, it’s a chance to create upsets and embrace the tradition of the FA Cup.
As McKenna contemplates the lineup for the upcoming match, certain players may be rested, and others, including debutant Jeremy Sarmiento, may feature prominently. The manager faces challenges in defense due to injuries and players’ absence at the Asian Cup. The selection of goalkeeper Christian Walton and the composition of the defensive line remain uncertain.
In midfield, skipper Sam Morsy is set to start, serving as a vital presence ahead of his upcoming suspension. McKenna hints at potential partnerships in midfield, with Cameron Humphreys among the options. The attacking trio may include new signing Sarmiento, Marcus Harness, and Omari Hutchinson, with considerations for resting regular starters Wes Burns and Nathan Broadhead.
The potential involvement of U21 players, such as Ryan Carr and Leon Ayinde, adds an element of youthful energy to the squad. McKenna maintains a cautious yet optimistic approach, acknowledging the tough challenge presented by AFC Wimbledon and emphasizing the importance of preparation.
The history between Ipswich Town and AFC Wimbledon is relatively recent, with the teams meeting four times since 2019/20. Ipswich has secured two wins, while AFC Wimbledon managed one victory, with three matches ending in draws. The last encounter in January 2022 saw Ipswich emerge victorious with a 2-0 win.
As the FA Cup tie approaches, McKenna is determined to navigate the challenges, fielding a competitive side, and aiming for progression in the competition. The draw for the fourth round, scheduled for Monday, adds an additional layer of anticipation as Ipswich looks to balance league aspirations with a potential cup run.
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